Key Number 17

A Ukrainian Grandfather's Odyssey of Courage

Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
444 Pages
Reviewed on 02/18/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Andy Hutchings for Readers' Favorite

This week I had the pleasure of reading George P. Tymitz’s powerful and historical work, Key Number 17. A tale spanning decades, it shares the journey of Olek Creshenko and his grandson as they explore Olek’s past to find the courage and strength for his grandson in the present. The bond between grandfather and grandson is the centerpiece of this beautiful story which highlights intergenerational bonds. Lessons are passed down and the two inspire each other to face the things that scare them and to live a better life. The depiction of the two is pitched perfectly to allow these themes to emerge and be explored organically.

Olek's history is dark and colorful, with a pile of secrets he keeps hidden to protect his family from having to share in his trauma. However, if he is to guide his grandson toward living a better life and being a better man, then the lessons learned during the more upsetting periods of his life will need to be shared. George P. Tymitz pitches Olek’s characterization perfectly, with a strong and stoic man allowing the layers of his hardness to be peeled away to do what is right for his grandson. It is a treat to watch the two dive deeper and deeper into the past as they derive meaning from the events that made Olek who he is. Key Number 17 is a beautiful character study that shows us the importance of sharing our lives with others so that we can continue to grow from their insight.